There are two different types of marriage licenses in Texas, and basic requirements are the same for both types of marriage:

A “Formal marriage license” A formal marriage license can be obtained from any county in Texas and the marriage can be performed anywhere. If the marriage takes place outside of Texas, contact the appropriate state office, consulate or embassy to learn the marriage requirements for that state or country.

Marriage Residency Requirement Texas:

If either applicant has been recently divorced, the state requires a 30-day waiting period from the date of the filed divorce decree, unless waived by the court. Female applicants are required to submit a certified copy of final decree showing their restored maiden name if different from current identification.

Marriage License Fees Texas:

The marriage license fees varies from Texas county to county, so call ahead to your local County Clerk’s office to find out the fee and ask what form of payment is accepted. In some cases, you may need to bring cash.

Couples completing the State Approved Pre-marital Education Course, Twogether in Texas, may have the formal license fee reduced to the County fee (up to $22) and the 72-hour waiting period waived by presenting the state-issued course completion certificate when applying for the license. Please visit www.twogetherintexas.com to locate classes in your area.

Proxy Marriages Texas:

Yes, but marriage by proxy in Texas is limited to individuals serving in the military and stationed outside of the country.

Cousin Marriages Texas:

No.

Common Law Marriages Texas:

Yes.

Blood Test Requirement Texas:

No. Blood tests or medical examinations are not required in Texas.

Name Change:

Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.

Applicants must be 18 and older, or court-emancipated minors 16 and over. A minor must have a certified copy of birth certificate, photo I.D. and Social Security card or proof of social security number. Please contact your local County Clerk office for additional information.

Absent Applicant:

All applicants must be present for the ceremony unless: (a) the absent applicant is a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation; and unable to attend the ceremony. All other applicants will have to be present for the ceremony. Absent Applicant Affidavit Application

Declaration And Registration Of An Informal Marriage (Common Law):

An informal marriage license can be obtained and recorded by a couple who agree to be married, and after the agreement, they lived together in this state as a couple and represented to others that they were married.

Both parties must be present. An absentee affidavit cannot be used for an informal marriage license.

A person under 18 years of age may not obtain an informal marriage license.

A person may not obtain an informal marriage license if presently married to someone else.

The fee varies from Texas county to county, so call ahead to your local County Clerk’s office to find out the current fee and ask what form of payment is accepted. In some cases, you may need to bring cash.

Online Applications (if applicable):

Marriage license applications may be filled out and saved online. However, applicants must appear in person to sign and purchase the marriage license. Please note: additional information will be required of each applicant when the marriage license is issued.

Marriage Officiants Texas:

Persons authorized to perform weddings in Texas include licensed or ordained Christian ministers, priests, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized by religious organizations, justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of criminal appeals, justices of the courts of appeals, judges of the district, county, and probate courts, judges of the county courts at law, judges of the courts of domestic relations, judges of the juvenile courts, retired justices or judges, justices of the peace, retired justices of the peace, and judges or magistrates of a federal court of Texas.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. For more information regarding Texas marriage license laws and records please visit www.dshs.state.tx.us.

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State Laws marriage requirements to obtain and file a marriage license to receive certified copy of your marriage certificate from clerk’s office upon request.